February 4, 2025 3:20 a.m.

The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association raised $4,000 for the local nonprofit Douglas C.A.R.E.S. at the 53rd annual Greatest of the Grape on Saturday night at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville.

Known as Oregon’s oldest wine celebration, this year’s event drew over 500 guests, featured tastings of more than 40 Umpqua Valley wines and showcased live music from Roseburg band Vine Katz.

Douglas C.A.R.E.S provides advocacy and care for families affected by abuse. The organization was the beneficiary of the event’s popular Wheel of Wine fundraiser. That is where guests paid $25 per spin for a chance to win a bottle of wine, donated by local wineries. All proceeds from that fundraiser, went directly to Douglas C.A.R.E.S.

Guests voted for their favorite wines and at the end of the evening, Hillcrest Vineyards took home the Best Red Wine award for their 2017 Bulls Blood. Cooper Ridge Vineyard claimed the coveted Greatest of the Grape title for best overall wine with their Sparkling Pomegranate Cuvee.

UVWA Executive Director Ali Rodgers said, “This year’s Greatest of the Grape was an overwhelming success”. Rodgers said, “It not only highlighted the excellence of Umpqua Valley wines but also demonstrated the power of community in supporting vital causes like Douglas C.A.R.E.S”.

The Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the wineries and vineyards of the Umpqua Valley. For more information and to get details on future events, go to www.umpquavalleywineries.org